TISSUE DILATION TOOL AND METHOD OF DILATING TISSUE
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tissue dilation tool comprising:
- an outer sleeve;
an intermediate sleeve slidable from within the outer sleeve between an extended position and a retracted position;
an inner member slidable from within the intermediate sleeve between an extended position and a retracted position;
an inner member lock having an unlocked position where the inner member is slidable relative to the outer sleeve and a locked position where the inner member is substantially fixed against sliding relative to the outer sleeve; and
an intermediate sleeve lock having an unlocked position where the intermediate sleeve is slidable relative to the outer sleeve and a locked position where the intermediate sleeve is substantially fixed against sliding relative to the outer sleeve.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Tissue dilation tools and methods of use are disclosed that provide gradual and controlled stretching of the tissue surrounding a surgical incision. The tools utilize a plurality of operably connected, coaxial sleeves or members of different sizes to gradually enlarge the incision.
43 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A tissue dilation tool comprising:
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an outer sleeve;
an intermediate sleeve slidable from within the outer sleeve between an extended position and a retracted position;
an inner member slidable from within the intermediate sleeve between an extended position and a retracted position;
an inner member lock having an unlocked position where the inner member is slidable relative to the outer sleeve and a locked position where the inner member is substantially fixed against sliding relative to the outer sleeve; and
an intermediate sleeve lock having an unlocked position where the intermediate sleeve is slidable relative to the outer sleeve and a locked position where the intermediate sleeve is substantially fixed against sliding relative to the outer sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of dilating tissue surrounding an incision, the method comprising:
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providing a tissue dilation tool having telescopingly arranged outer sleeve, intermediate sleeve and inner member;
locking the inner member and intermediate sleeve relative to the outer sleeve;
inserting a tapered end of the inner member into the incision to enlarge the incision to an intermediate sized opening;
unlocking the inner member relative to the outer sleeve to permit the inner member to slide within the intermediate sleeve while the intermediate sleeve is locked relative to the outer sleeve;
inserting a tapered end of the intermediate sleeve into the intermediate sized opening to enlarge the intermediate sized opening to a larger opening;
unlocking the intermediate sleeve relative to the outer sleeve to permit the intermediate member to slide within the outer sleeve; and
inserting a tapered end of the outer sleeve into the larger opening to further enlarge the opening to a final size. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification